Costco offers free eye tests to NHS patients

Costco is offering customers entitled to an NHS sight test a free examination to get around a High Court judgement which has forced the wholesale retailer to reconsider how it provides general ophthalmic services, Optician has learnt.

As reported (News, August 15), a Family Health Services Appeals Authority (FHSAA) hearing took place to consider an appeal lodged by Costco relating to the refusal by Milton Keynes Primary Care Trust to allow the company to join its GOS list.

Prior to the FHSAA hearing, Costco had taken its appeal to the High Court which had ruled in favour of the PCT. The High Court judgement stated that in providing GOS, Costco would be in contravention of the Social Care Act 2001 in not being open to all individuals. The wholesale retailer only allows members who pay an annual fee and their guests to shop on the premises.